Truth, Justice, and The American Way

Bloganuary writing prompt
Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting.

DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE

I’ve been lucky, blessed even to have been to most of the places people stare at in magazines, postcards, or the subject of a story you can imagine because you know you’ll never get to visit. I’ve also been to the places no one has ever heard of and wouldn’t admit they visited if they had.

Like many folks, I sat in front of my television watching him be faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and leap tall buildings in a single bound. I was mesmerized by the flying through the sky, the bullets bouncing off his chest, and, of course, his X-ray vision. We ordered the glasses from the back of our comics, along with seahorses, just for the chance to be like him. We tied blankets around our necks and jumped off mounds, running around with arms stretched in front of us, pretending we were flying.

My fascination with the Superman universe has continued throughout my adulthood. I’ve watched most things related to it. Here is a list of a few.

Here is an extended list of television shows related to the Superman universe:

  • Superman: The Animated Series – This series follows the adventures of Superman, the legendary superhero, as he battles the forces of villainy and continues his quest for “truth, justice, and the American way.”
  • Smallville – This series follows the adventures of a young Clark Kent in the town of Smallville, Kansas, before he becomes Superman.
  • Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman – This series primarily focuses on the relationship between Daily Planet journalists Clark Kent and Lois Lane in Metropolis.
  • Supergirl – This series centers around Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El, who escaped the destruction of Krypton and now lives on Earth.
  • Superman & Lois – This series follows Clark Kent and Lois Lane as they deal with all the stress, pressures, and complexities that come with being working parents in today’s society.

Here are comprehensive details about the list of films related to Superman:

  • Superman (1978): This film, directed by Richard Donner, depicts Superman’s origin story, from his infancy as Kal-El of Krypton to his youthful years in the rural town of Smallville. Christopher Reeve stars as the titular character, with Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman also appearing.
  • Superman II (1980): Directed by Richard Lester, this sequel sees Superman agreeing to sacrifice his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane. However, he is unaware that the three Kryptonian criminals he inadvertently released are now conquering Earth.
  • Superman III (1983): This third installment, directed by Richard Lester, introduces synthetic kryptonite laced with tobacco tar. This substance splits Superman into two distinct entities: the good-natured Clark Kent and the malevolent Man of Steel.
  • Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987): This film involves Superman leading a global crusade to eliminate nuclear weapons. With the Cold War as a backdrop, the Man of Steel faces off against Lex Luthor and the Nuclear Man.
  • Superman Returns (2006): Directed by Bryan Singer and starring Brandon Routh as Superman, this film follows the Man of Steel as he returns to Earth after spending five years in space examining his home world, Krypton.
  • Man of Steel (2013): Directed by Zack Snyder, this film provides a fresh take on Superman’s origin story. As a young man, Clark Kent learns that he has superpowers and must decide whether to use them for the benefit of humanity. Henry Cavill stars as Superman.
  • Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): Also directed by Zack Snyder, this film features a face-off between two of the most iconic superheroes. Superman, again played by Henry Cavill, finds himself in conflict with Batman, played by Ben Affleck.

Of course, my children had to endure my Superman obsession. However, they helped me discover the place I never got around to visiting.

Photo Courtesy of webejam

I saw this statue from Interstate and vowed to return one day to look at it, but I have never done so. Since then, I’ve been out of the country several times and even passed by the statue several times. Maybe I will get there one day.